The U-T had a full report yesterday on how to choose a realtor (link below) but this is the only paragraph you need. The realtor’s answer to these two questions tells you everything you need to know about their effectiveness in providing you with real help in this market:
“How many homes did you list and sell in the last year? This ratio will give you a “success” score card to judge how they’ve coped in a tough market. Ask to see the agent’s production count that is available online to members of Sandicor, San Diego County’s multiple listing service. And ask how many listings and buyers they are working with today.”
Link to full article:
http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/20/right-rep-knowing-questions-and-how/?uniontrib
So how does an enrty level realtor get any work?
So how does an enrty level realtor get any work?
The same way a first time borrower gets a loan?
Having worked with seasoned pros and newbies, I can tell you that experience is not a true indicator of the level of service given. Some of the “old dogs” are the worst for giving service to clients. They are not internet savy and they are sorry to say “pig headed” on many issues. They refuse to update their skills… like many old doctors. Give me an excited newby any day. They will find out the answers if they don’t have them and are not afraid to ask questions.They also actually answer their phones
I see your point, Irene. However, you can’t totally discount the experience of an old pro. Ideally, you would get an experienced old pro who’s not yet burnt out and jaded. Jim, of course, is one of those, as is the lady who facilitated my home purchase. I got lucky!
I think there are loads of buyers who would prefer a newer agent with energy and enthusiasm, and may have a keener eye towards what is wanted and needed.
You might be surprised at how many “top producers” and “Top 1%”-ers have sold 1-2 houses this year.
Unless an agent is fleet-a-foot and have great desire to help people, this market ain’t for them.
You are so right Jim.
The work ethic is the key. You really need to want to help people, since there are so many people who actually do need real help. Maybe the experienced pros that I have run into are just burnt out….Certainly not our “fearless leader ” JTR…You are exempt from the original post.
Would you want a teacher who’s been in the system 25 years teaching your kid or someone who’s had a few years experience, hungry and enthusiastic?
Would you want a teacher who’s been in the system 25 years teaching your kid or someone who’s had a few years experience, hungry and enthusiastic?
It depends, if the 25-year teacher is just collecting a paycheck until retirement then I’d rather go with the less experienced teacher. If the 25-year teacher still has a love for music and teaching it to other, it’s a no-brainer to go with the 25-year teacher.
You might be surprised at how many “top producers” and “Top 1%”-ers have sold 1-2 houses this year.
As an anecdote, last year at one of the big realty firms (not going to reveal who, since it may be confidential) about 50% of agents didn’t sell a single house. Only 10% of agents sold more than one house. Some of these were “hot” realtors at one point.
10 years experience usually sounds like a good amount, but for a realtor today it would mean the only perspective they have is the bubble. There’s too many realtors who consider that environment “normal.”
I’d probably prefer someone with very little experience and good work ethic, or 15+ years. Regardless, they’d better add some value.
Hey, as long as Jim’s out there it’s not a problem, is it? 🙂
[Of course, if you want to buy outside North County then your screwed.]
I am no longer getting any Realtor calendars or notepads on my doorstep. The Realtor who used to walk around and drop off his monthly newsletter is now mailing them out. What’s going on? I saw two Realtor booths at the local street fair over the weekend. As much as I wanted to stop and talk to them, I knew it was better if I kept walking past.
Thank you tj!
7.Would you want a teacher who’s been in the system 25 years teaching your kid or someone who’s had a few years experience, hungry and enthusiastic?
The latter. When you get stuck in a class with an burned out 25-year veteran who’s mailing it in, and there’s no place to go, it is unfortunate.